Welcome to Hertfordshire Students’ Union
2021 2022 @HertsSU | hertfordshire.su #YourHertbeat
Contents
Meet Your Elected Officers
4
Have Your Say
6
President Vice President Activities Vice President Community Vice President Education
Campaigns Research Networks Student Council Student Reps School Community Organisers Elections
Get Involved
10
Night Life
14
Advice and Support
16
Find Us
20
Societies Academic Societies Events Fundraising Student Media Volunteering Seventy7 The Loft
Our Services Contact Us SU Buddy Scheme SU Study Smart SU Legal Clinic
Office Opening Hours Contact Details
2
HELLO! Welcome to the University of Hertfordshire. We’re here to support you on your student journey. Hertfordshire Students’ Union is a registered charity that works closely with UH to enrich the student experience. All students that enrol at Herts are automatically members of the SU. Your free membership gives you access to all the fantastic services detailed in this booklet.
Whilst we work closely with the University for the benefit of students, we are independent from them. This allows us to effectively represent your academic interests. As the voice of our students, if we hear that you’re not happy with something, we can lobby for change. We also provide students with opportunities that complement their studies, enabling you to make friends for life, create unforgettable memories and even develop your transferable skills. If you need any support, our trained Academic & Welfare Advisers are on hand to help you with anything that may be troubling you.
3
Meet Your Elected Officers 2021 - 22 The Elected Officers are here to represent you across all areas of student life. They are all current or former students who were elected into their roles in our annual Elections. Your Elected Officers are Trustees of the Students’ Union and work full-time alongside our team of staff. With the goal of improving the student experience here at Herts, they implement new ideas and campaign for change according to student feedback.
Rhiannon Ellis
As President, I lead the Elected Officer team. I sit on several committees at the University to ensure the student voice is heard at the highest level.
4
Junaid Ahmed
My goal is to enrich the student experience at Herts by ensuring there’s a range of high quality social and employability opportunities available.
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT ACTIVITIES
Find out more at: hertfordshire.su/president
Find out more at: hertfordshire.su/vice-president-activities
Following the Elections last year, we asked students what they wanted their new Elected Officer team to prioritise for the 2021-22 academic year. Based on your feedback, this year they’ll be focusing on the BAME Awarding Gap, financial flexibility for students, reducing student loneliness and increasing wellbeing provisions.
Prosasti Ganguly
Syeda Zara Haram
My role is to ensure we have an inclusive, welcoming and thriving student community at the University of Hertfordshire.
I’m here to represent the academic interests of all students at the University so that your educational experience is the best it can be.
VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNITY
VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION
Find out more at: hertfordshire.su/vice-president-community
Find out more at: hertfordshire.su/vice-president-education 5
Have Your Say Campaigns
Throughout the academic year we run a number of campaigns for the benefit of students. These are designed to create the change you want to see here at Herts, which is why all our campaigns are student-led. Some of the campaigns we’ll be running this year focus on: •
To increase awareness of what academic
•
Ensuring students are aware of the effects of
• • •
misconduct is and how to avoid it alcohol and drug abuse
Ensuring there is zero tolerance for any form of assault or sexual harassment #NeverOK
Increased mental health and wellbeing support Ensuring sustainability is prioritised across the
University of Hertfordshire
Research
We know things aren’t always peachy at university, so we carry out extensive research to uncover the issues students are facing. Our research covers a broad range of both academic and non-academic issues that students experience during their time at university. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in feedback opportunities so that your voices can be heard. Your feedback is used to inform campaigns, projects and initiatives across the Students’ Union and University of Hertfordshire. From focus groups and forums through to interviews and surveys, there are lots of ways in which you can have your say.
Networks
Networks are an exciting way for students to build communities and create change through collective action. They are representative bodies that can lead campaigns and hold forums. Networks we’re hoping to get up and running include: •
Black Students
•
Postgraduate Students
•
International Students
•
Women’s
•
6
•
Disabled Students Mature Students
•
Student Parents
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/representation
Student Council
Student Council is the highest student-led representative forum and decision-making body in the Students’ Union. Open to all students, you can have your say on the issues that matter most to the UH community. With only a few sessions each semester, popping along to voice your opinions won’t eat into too much of your time!
Student Reps
Student Reps are voluntary student leader positions. These are students that have been elected to represent the academic interests of their peers at a course level. Student Reps are here to listen to what you have to say about your educational experience. You can talk to them about anything from assessments and facilities through to timetabling and the quality of teaching. They raise your feedback to SCOs, your School of Study and the SU so that we can drive change where it’s needed. Student Rep Elections for the current academic year are held at the beginning of Semester A. If you’re passionate about improving the academic experience, why not put your hand up to be a Student Rep? For more information and to put yourself forward visit – hertfordshire.su/student-rep-elections
School Community Organisers
School Community Organisers (SCOs) are paid student leader positions. These are students that have been appointed to enhance the sense of community felt by students and staff within each School of Study. They work closely with the Elected Officers, your School of Study and the SU to ensure the overall academic experience in your school is to a high standard. They also organise extracurricular activities, social events, promote feedback opportunities and act as a lead for Student Reps. Applications to become an SCO for the next academic year open in Semester B. You’ll be able to apply for the role online when the time comes. Successful applications will then be invited to interview. For more information visit – hertfordshire.su/school-community-organisers
7
Have Your Say Elections
The Students’ Union Elections are one of our most vibrant and exciting times of the year. This is when you get the chance to vote for the students you want to represent you. Our team of Elected Officers were all successfully elected by you to represent the voice of the 24,000 strong student population here at Herts. Current students are invited to run in our Elections which take place from February - March. The roles up for grabs include President, Vice President Activities, Vice President Community and Vice President Education. The positions are all full-time, with Elected Officers receiving a competitive salary for their year in post. Whether you’re in your first or final year, you can nominate yourself and be in with a shot of winning! Running in the Elections is an incredible experience and the roles are like no other. We provide sessions for all candidates to help them prepare for the Elections. We help you to think creatively about your campaign, as well as supplying resources to ensure you have sufficient materials to deliver your key messages, in addition to a budget so you aren’t out of pocket. Whether you decide to run in the Elections or just want to vote on the candidates, make sure you get involved and have your say.
KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 7th February - 20th February Nominations 21st February - 6th March Candidate Checks 7th March - 9th March Voting 11th March Results Day
8
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/elections
9
Get Involved Societies
One of our most popular services! We have more than 100 societies that students can join. Societies are like mini communities that bring together students with similar interests. Being part of a society is a great way to try something new, make friends for life and open yourself up to many different opportunities. Many students say that their best friends from university were made through a society. Research also shows that students that engage with a society achieve a better degree outcome than students who don’t. Societies are run by committees of students. This gives you the chance to take on a student leader position where you’ll be able to make the society the best it can be while developing heaps of employability skills. We have societies that fall under the following categories: •
Academic
•
Media
•
Cultural
•
Political
• • •
Active
Dance Faith
• • •
Music
Social
Volunteering
…so you’re sure to find the society for you. If you aren’t able to find one you like the look of, you’re always welcome to start one yourself! Whether you join a society as a member, get involved in all the behind-the-scenes business as a committee member or start a new society from scratch, you’re bound to love being part of the society bubble.
Academic Societies
We want everyone studying at Herts to feel part of the wider student community. We know having friends on your course is important, so we support a large cohort of academic societies. Academic societies allow you to connect and socialise with other students on your course and in your School of Study. Every academic society has its own style but you can expect them to run employability activities, workshops and socials. 10
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/societies
11
Get Involved Events
We run a number of events throughout the year that are free for all students to participate in. At the start of the year Welcome gives you the chance to mingle with other students, find your feet and score loads of freebies. Our Cultural Series runs year-round, celebrating a vibrant range of international and religious holidays like Diwali, Lunar New Year and Holi. Our Give it a Go initiative is an exciting addition to our calendar, encouraging you to try your hand at something completely new and explore local attractions. The Students’ Union Awards are one of our favourite events of the year, as we celebrate some of the standout student success stories. In addition to these highlights, you can expect us to run comprehensive Black History Month & LGBT+ History Month programmes, a range of seasonal events and more!
Fundraising
Raise and Give (RaG) is the fundraising wing of the Students’ Union. Each year RaG selects three charities to support; one local, one national and one international. Fundraising events are run throughout the year to help raise awareness and money for the chosen charities. This year you can look forward to classic student fundraising events like Jailbreak, a Skydive and their Three Peaks Challenge.
Student Media
Our student media group gives students the opportunity to gain hands on media experience. With a rich history of reflecting the student voice and an impressive Media Suite that sits at the heart of campus, members are empowered to develop their own skills while telling the stories students care about. You could write the next opinion piece for their website, jump on their radio stream for a segment or get in front of the camera for a feature video!
Volunteering
We can help you find volunteering opportunities that are right for you and put you in touch with local and national organisations who need your help. Volunteering alongside your studies is a great way to make a difference, develop your transferable skills, make new friends and boost your CV.
12
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/opportunities
13
Night Life We’ve been busy with an exciting programme of redevelopment and we’re proud to present your brand new bar and club, Seventy7 and The Loft! Located in The Forum Hertfordshire building, your new student venue boasts a contemporary design, upbeat atmosphere and huge capacity. Situated at the heart of campus, this is the place to be to have an unbelievable night out and make memories that last a lifetime. A social hub on campus, the venues can be enjoyed by all students and booked by societies to house their events. You can expect the venue to pack out every Wednesday and Friday for our feature club nights, with a range of other events dropping throughout the year like Bollywood nights, 80s vs 90s and Boozy Bingo. To round out the year we’ll be bringing our ever-popular Summer Ball into the venue and across campus. You can see the full schedule of events and purchase your tickets online!
14
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/events
@forumhertfordshire 15
Advice and Support Our Advice & Support team offers free, confidential and impartial information for students at Herts.
We’re here for you, no matter how big or small your problem may feel. If you would like to discuss anything with us, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our Academic & Welfare Advisers. We will always try our best to help you as soon as we can.
We can help you with... •
Academic Appeals
•
Hate Crime Reporting
•
Academic Misconduct
•
Housing
•
Complaints
•
Mental Health
•
Financial Wellbeing
•
Non-Academic Misconduct
Free condoms, chlamydia/gonorrhoea testing kits and female sanitary products are available to pick up from the Advice & Support Centre.
Contact Us
We are available: Monday to Friday, 10:00-16:00
16
Email us: advice@hertfordshire.su
You can find us at: Advice & Support Centre Hertfordshire Students’ Union College Lane Campus
Call us: 01707 285022
Video call appointments are also available upon request.
For more information visit hertfordshire.su/advice
17
Advice and Support
SU Buddy Scheme
Coming to University can be daunting; whether it’s the first time you’ve lived away from home or you’ve moved to an entirely new country! We understand that it can be difficult to strike up new friendships and settle in. Sometimes it can help to speak to someone who has done it all before, that’s why we’ve set up the SU Buddy Scheme. The SU Buddy Scheme facilitates informal peer-to-peer support, matching up new students with continuing students (Buddy Volunteers) who can share their top tips for settling into life at uni. Buddies are matched according to their preferences and can decide how often they’d like to meet and where. For more information visit – hertfordshire.su/buddy-scheme
SU Study Smart
Have you ever really thought about your learning preferences? Have you found a pattern of study that works in line with these? Everyone works differently, so we know that a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t cut it when it comes to exam or assignment preparation. Our Study Smart scheme can help you to reflect on how you learn and find the best way to organise your work. Learning can be challenging but it shouldn’t feel like an uphill struggle. We’re offering you the opportunity to take a step back and figure out the most effective approach to your studies through our Study Smart sessions, which are run during normal Centre opening times. For more information visit – hertfordshire.su/study-smart
SU Legal Clinic
Our Legal Clinic offers students free 30-minute appointments with our Legal Adviser. Our Legal Adviser commonly assists students with: • • • •
Disputes with Landlords or Lettings Agents Disputes with Employers Information about the Small Claims Court process Consumer rights matters
This clinic runs every Wednesday afternoon (13:30-16:00) during term time. For more information visit – hertfordshire.su/legal-clinic 18
19
Find Us
We have a Welcome Desk on each campus. You can come to our Welcome Desk for any queries relating to our services, to catch up with a member of the team or to make a purchase. College Lane Office Hertfordshire Students’ Union College Lane Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 9AB De Havilland Office Hertfordshire Students’ Union De Havilland Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 9EU
Our main office is located on College Lane. Here’s where you can find us:
Hutton Hub
Students’ Union
EleHouse
Hatfield Day Nursery
The Forum Hertfordshire
Throughout the pandemic our opening hours have changed. For our latest opening hours head to hertfordshire.su/welcome-desks Multi-Storey Car Park
Contact Us
Email Us: contact@hertfordshire.su Call Us: 01707 285000
@HertsSU | hertfordshire.su #YourHertbeat
dominos.co.uk